Android Has a Remote Kill Switch, Too

Heads-up: Apple isn’t the only one implementing remote kill switches for applications in their phones. According to recent reports, the Android platform has one, too. The thing is: At least Google owns up to it up front (instead of allowing a developer to discover it like Apple did) by including a mention in the Android Market terms of service, saying:

Google may discover a product that violates the developer distribution agreement ... in such an instance, Google retains the right to remotely remove those applications from your device at its sole discretion.

Given that nearly anything goes in Google's Android Market, there’s a definite chance of malicious or otherwise unwanted applications appearing there. Google’s process is distinctly different from Apple’s App Store, since Apple inspects applications before they become available.

Google goes on to say that it will make an effort to recover the purchase price of the software from the original developer on your behalf. We gotta give Google props for being willing to fight on our behalf. What’s more, the Android Market's policy also allows you to return an application within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund.

Another tidbit of information that comes by means of the Android Market terms of service is the fact that Android Market users will be able to reinstall an application they’ve purchased as many times as they like, which is especially helpful should the phone ever fail or become inoperable.